
»FKECH 



Col. James G. Be:rrkx, 



DEMOCRATIC PRSSnJENTlAl. E1.ECTOR FOR THE SECOND 

CoNGREssioKAi, District of Maryi^and, 



DELIVERED BEFORE THE 

CLEVELAND AND THURMAN AND STUMP 
CAMPAIGN CLUB, 



——AT— 


- 




Freedom, Carroll 


County, 


Md„ 


AUGUST 18, 


1888. 




WASHINOTDN, 


D. c: 


> 


R. 0. POLKINHORN, 


PRINTER, 




1888. 







S 1^ E E C M 



Col. Ja\/[ks G. Be^rrex, 



Democratic Presidential Elector for the Second 
Congressional District of Maryland, 



DELIVERED BEFORE THE 

CLEVELAND AND THURMAN AND STUMP 
CAMPAIGN CLUB, 



Freedom, Carroll County, McL, 



AUGUST iS, i8S8. 



WASniNGTON, P. C".: 
R. O. POLKINIIOUN, PRINTER, 

1888. 



.B47 



•'-4- It 



SPEECH. 



Mr. President and Gentlemen : 

The occasion which brings us together, as Demo- 
crats and members of the Cleveland and Thurman 
AND Stump Campaign Club of Freedom, is one of 
much in terest to myself, as affording a fitting op- 
portunity for me to express the great pleasure which 
I find at meeting some of the associates of my boy- 
hood's days. But, alas, few of them are left to con- 
tinue the great battle of life, while their descendants 
for two generations are now present to represent 
worthy sires, who, in days long since passed, strug- 
gled with true manhood for political supremacy in 
the State as well as in the Federal Government. 

After a lapse of more than fifty years, since it was 
my good fortune to engage actively in politics as a 
representative in part of the Democratic party of this 
county, on the Delegate ticket for the Legislature, it 
is with no ordinary emotion that I again appear be- 
fore you as the Presidential Elector for the Second 
Congressional District, which will assuredly afford 
me the honor of casting, with my colleagues, the 
vote of Maryland for Grover Cleveland and Allen G. 
Thurman for President and Vice President of the 
United States, [Applause.] 

These candidates represent the true principles of 
the Democratic party, which, when practically car- 
ried out in the administration of the Government, 
have always proved beneficial to the great body of 



the people, and at the same time exalted ns as a 
nation of freemen, capable of self-government, whicli 
I shall endeavor to show by an impartial review of 
the history of parties, since the foundation of the 
Government, with Washington as our first President, 
and coming down to that of the present incumbent, 
Grover Cleveland, 

GEORGE WASHIl<rGT0]Sr. 

It is quite true that Washington, with all the pres- 
tige Avhich justly attached to his unsullied fame, 
found opposition among the people; but his grand 
career was closed with commendation such as his suc- 
cessors might well seek to deserve. He outlived the 
spirit of faction, and bequeathed to posterity a name 
only to command the highest respect in the civilized 
w^orld, — for all the great qualities which adorn the 
warrior, statesman, patriot and citizen. Ilis memory 
will be cherished as the founder of a Government 
based upon the will of the people, and which, if pro- 
perly guarded, cannot fail to secure for every citizen 
just and equal rights under the Constitution and 
laws of the land. 

JOTIJf ADAMS, 

John Adams, our second President, a citizen of 
Massachusetts, was a man of marked ability, having 
participated actively in securing American Independ- 
ence, was iiiaugrated March 4, 17i)7, with a re])uta- 
tioii wliicli jiiiidr liiiii a central ligiirc of his day and 
gciicrat ion. Uiil his adiniiiistration was by no means 
u i»oi)tilar success, growing out of the fact that Con- 



5 

gress passed during his term the " Alien and Sedi- 
tion Laws," which the people rightly thought con- 
ferred upon the President powers never intended by 
the Constitution, So that at the election following 
for a second term he was defeated by Thomas Jeffer- 
son, who represented the Democratic party, in its 
truest sense, of which he was the founder. [Ap- 
plause.] 

As President, Mr. Adams was a most decided 
failure, notwithstanding his well earned reputation 
as a successful Diplomatist and Vice-President, dur- 
ing both terms of Washington, He was undoubtedly 
n patriot at a time when patriotism tried mens' souls, 
and he was among the first to champion the cause of 
American Indei)endence with a force and devotion 
that earned for him a place in the history of our 
■country worthy of all honor and esteem, 

THOMAS JEFFERSON. 

Thomas Jefferson, of Virginia, was inaugurated on 
the 4th of March, 1801 ; and such was the popularity 
of his administration that he was again chosen for 
•another term in 1804, carrying fifteen of the then 
•seventeen States. 

The administration of Mr. Jefferson was rendered 
notable by the purchase of Louisiana from France, 
which not only gave us immense territory, but for- 
ever secured access to the sea by interior water trans- 
portation, which enabled us to market the vast pro- 
ducts of the Mississipi3i valley, extending from the 
Ohio River to the extreme northwestern boundary 
of the country, as it then and now exists. This was 
the lirst achievement of his sagacious statesmanshii>; 



6 

but tlie crowning glory of Jefferson's career rests on 
the sound and enduring principles of popular gov- 
ernment, which he left as a grand legacy to the 
Democratic party, and with which all his public acts 
were in perfect harmony. [Applause.] 

JAMES MADISON. 

After Mr. Jefferson retired Mr. James Madison, of 
Virginia, his elected successor, entered upon the duties 
of President, March 4th, 1809, to which he was re- 
elected over the famous DeWitt Clinton, of New 
York, by a very decided majority. Mr. Madison 
was known for great attainments, and conspicuous 
in public affairs wiien elected President. He was 
the foremost expounder of the Constitution and one 
of its pillars in the Convention that formed it. 

During his administration the War of 1812 with 
Great Britain was declared, and honorably concluded^ 
thereby proving him to be a worthy successor of his 
friend and illustrious predecessor, 

JAMES M 01^ ROE. 

On the 4th March, 1817, James Monroe, of Virginia, 
became President, defeating Rufus King, by an over- 
whelming vote in the electoral colleges, and was re- 
elected with but one dissenting voice at the ensuing 
election — a result that has not since occurred in our 
history. Hence his presidency has been described 
as the "Era of Good Peeling." Mr. Monroe, both 
as soldier and statesman, had rendered the country 
eminent service, which commanded for his adminis- 
tration the public confidence and enabled him to 
secure Florida from 8i)ain by purchase. Tiie vast 



advantage arising from that acquisition is fully re- 
alized at this late day, not only from the important 
territorial position of the State, but from the prc- 
ducts of its generous soil, and as a sanitary resource 
of immense value. [Applause.] 

JOHjST QUINCY ADAMS. 

John Quincy Adams was elected by the House of 
Representatives over Andrew Jackson — the electoral 
colleges having failed to make a choice — and was 
duly inaugurated 4th March, 1825. He was, how- 
ever, defeated at the ensuing election by a great up- 
rising in favor of General Jackson, who was consid- 
ered justly entitled to the office on the former test, 
as demonstrated by the popular vote, and the vote 
of the States in the electoral colleges. 

Mr. Adams was undoubtedly chosen under the 
forms of the Constitution, and was entitled to exer- 
cise the functions of President, which he performed 
with integrity and intelligence. Mr. Adams was a 
man of unusual and varied experience in public af- 
fairs, and although not much of a partisan he acted 
with the Whig party of that day, led by such men as 
Clay and Webster. 

After leaving the presidency, Mr. Adams was 
elected to the House of Representatives, and soon 
thereafter became the acknowledged leader of the 
Abolition party, in whose service he expended the 
last days of his eventful life. 

ANDREW JACKSON. 

We now come to the administration of xVndrew 
•Jackson, commencing on the 4tli of March, 1829. 



8 

His advent to power was the signal for an attack 
Avhicli few men could have successfully resisted. 
But Jackson, like Jefferson, was a stern and faithful 
democrat, and placed himself on the side of the 
people in making war upon the Bank of the United 
States— the giant corporation of that day, with 
branches extending over the commercial cities, and 
at the Nation's capital. It was well calculated, in 
his judgment, to oppress the laboring masses, and 
to corrupt public men, some of whom it was well 
known had been brought under the baneful influence 
of that institution. 

In his struggle to overthrow the bank General 
Jackson found leading men in his own party taking 
side in favor of its re-charter by Congress, while its 
powerful friends used ever}^ argument to sustain 
that, a favorite measure, which they confidently 
expected would so widen the breach in the demo- 
cratic party that the administration would certainly 
fail. But this selfish hope was frustrated, as the 
result proved. Jackson was fully equal to the crisis, 
by his veto on the 10th of July, 1832, of the bill 
which had been passed by both houses of Congress. 
The old hero did not heed the appeals of many 
earnest and misguided men, who believed that the 
continuation of the bank was absolutely necessar}'' 
to keep alive the vast business interests of the 
country. He stood firm, and it may well be said 
struck the first blow at the head of corporate power. 
[Ajiplause.] 

Soon thereafter he was called upon to take action 
in a matter whiclr seriously threatened the dismem- 
berment of the Union. 



9 

A convention was held in South Carolina which 
declared in vigorous language that certain laws passed 
by Congress should not be enforced, and they would 
be resisted by the State at all hazards. This hos- 
tile demonstration called forth the famous Procla- 
mation of General Jackson, dated December 11th, 
1832, in which he argued the question fully, and 
clearly demonstrated that a State could not ignore 
an act of Congress, as was proposed, which, coupled 
with a strong appeal to the patriotic sentiment of 
South Carolinians, and the people of the whole 
country, brought abont a healthy re-action, and pre- 
vented the threatened collision between the State and 
national authorities. [Applause.] 

In 1832 General Jackson was nominated for re-elec- 
tion, having for his chief opponent Henry Clay. 
The contest was animated, and resulted in the dis- 
comfiture of the Whig party, whose defeat was em- 
phasized by a vote of 211) for Jackson, Clay receiv- 
ing only 49, which was justly regarded as a com- 
plete vindication of Jackson's course upon all c[ues- 
tions which arose during his first term. 

General Jackson entered upon his second term 
March 4, 1833, and retired amid the plaudits of his 
countrymen, having paid off the public debt prior to 
4th March, 1837, leaving a record of which all Dem- 
ocrats are proud, and which all fair opponents must 
willingly respect. [Applause.] 

MAKTIN VAN BUKEN. 

Martin Van Buren, of New York, was elected Pres- 
ident over William H. Harrison, of Ohio, and inaugu- 
rated March 4, 1837. Mr. A^an Buren was a man of 



10 

high character, of large acquaintance with public 
affairs, and fulfilled his high trust in a manner to 
secure the endorsement of his party for re-election. 
But he was defeated in 1840, under the cry of hard 
times, and the promise to laboring men of "82.00 a 
day and roast beef," if Harrison should be elected. 

WILLIAM HENRY HARRISOT^. 

William Henry Harrison, of Ohio, was inaugu- 
rated as President March 4, 1841, with much ap- 
plause, and died just one month after entering the 
White House. ' 

General Harrison deserved well of his country, 
having rendered good service both as a civilian and 
as a soldier. 



JOHN TYLER. 

He was succeeded by John Tyler, of Virginia, 
who had been elected Vice-President on the same 
ticket. Mr. Tyler had acquired political standing 
as Governor of his State and Senator in Congress. 
His administration in some respects was remarkable, 
for he found himself confronted at its very outset 
with a determined purpose on the part of the Whigs, 
then controlling both branches of Congress, under 
the lead of Henry Clay, to fasten upon the country 
a Fiscal Bank of the United States. He vetoed that 
measure, without hesitation, and that act caused a 
rupture in the party which continued during his 
term. Only a few days before the close of Mr. Tyler's 
administration a joint resolution was passed for the 
aniu'xation of Texas, and fui- wliirli icsult great 



11 

credit is due to the late Hon. Wm. D. Merrick, then a 
Whig Senator in Congress from Maryland. [Ap- 
plause.] 

JAMES K. POLK. 

The contest in 1844 between James K. Polk of 
Tennessee, and Henry Clay of Kentucky, was spirited 
and decisive of the political fortunes of the great 
Whig leader. The annexation of Texas to the 
United States was the principal issue discussed 
throughout the campaign, and resulted in Mr. Polk's 
election, who was duly inaugurated as President 
March 4, 1845. 

The formal annexation of Texas in December fol- 
lowing gave rise to a serious dispute between the 
United States and Mexico on the boundary question, 
which soon resulted in hostilities. Early in May, 
1846, President Polk, by a special message to Con- 
gress, announced that war existed by the act of Mex- 
ico. The prompt response of Congress in appropri- 
ating the necessary means and authorizing a call 
for trooi)s enabled the President to prosecute the 
war with vigor, and thus secure an early solution of 
the question after the capture of the City of Mexico. 
The result of this war brought under the Stars and 
Stripes New Mexico and Upper California, giving us 
a territory of more than half a million of square 
miles, with all the commercial and agricultural ben- 
efits, and the enormous mineral wealth which have 
accrued to the country therefrom. 

It was during the administration of Mr. Polk that 
the Oregon question was settled with Great Britain 
on terms alike honorable to both Governments. 



12 

Perhaps one of the most imj)ortant measures con- 
cluded during Mr. Polk's term was the Tariff of 1846, 
which gave a mighty impulse to all our industries, 
promoted the interests of labor, and afforded abund- 
ant revenue for all the wants of an economical 
Government. 

Mr. Polk retired from office March 4, 1849, having 
faithfully executed the high trust committed to his 
charge. [Applause.] 

ZACHAEY TAYLOR. 

In 1848 the contest was chiefly between General 
Zachary Taylor, a professional soldier, who had dis- 
tinguished himself in the war with Mexico, and Gen- 
eral Lewis Cass, who also had earned fame in the 
war of 1812 with Great Britain, and rendered im- 
portant service in the Cabinet and in other civil 
Ijositions. His defeat was due to a defection in the 
Democratic party, headed by Martin Van Buren, 
representing the " Free Soil" party at that period. 
The administration of General Taylor was highly 
respectable, and closed with his death on July 9th, 
1850. 

MILL Alt]) FILLMOKK. . 

He was succeeded by Millard Fillmore, the A'ice- 
President, during whose term the compromise meas- 
ures of 1850 were adopted, and which ended, for 
the time being, further agitation of the slavery ques- 
tion, through tlie patriotic efforts of such men as 
Webster, Clay, Douglas.Crittenden and many others, 
who, regardless of party discipline, contributed by 



13 

their statesmanship to allay sectional strife tem'ioo- 
rarily. [Applause.] 

Mr. Fillmore retired from the presidency on the 
4tli of March, 18o3, with the approval of his imrtj 
friends. 

FEANKLIN PIERCE. 

The contest at the election in 1852 was between 
Franklin Pierce, of New Hampshire, a Democrat of 
the Jeffersonian school, and General VVinfield Scott, 
representing the Whig party. After an exciting 
contest General Pierce was elected triumphantly over 
his gallant competitor, who had distinguished him- 
self in the wars with England and Mexico. 

General Pierce was inaugurated on the 4tli of 
March, 1853, but soon thereafter had to confront the 
agitation of the slavery question, growing out of the 
Lecompton struggle and the repeal of the Missouri 
compromise. He exhibited skill and judgment in 
the management of that controversy, and left ofRce 
with the well-earned confidence of his party, and 
the personal respect of all right minded men, who 
appreciated one of the truest gentlemen I have ever 
known. [Applause.] 

After the retirement of General Pierce, March 
4th, 1857, the Convention, which assembled the pre- 
vious year at Cincinnati, placed in nomination James 
Buchanan, of Pennsylvania, and John C. Brecken- 
ridge, of Kentucky, as the standard bearers of the 
Democratic party, who were elected over their op- 
ponents, General John C. Fremont and William L. 
Daj^ton, the first candidates of the new Republican 
party, which succeeded the Whigs, and took posses- 
sion of its broken assets. 



14 



JAMES BUCHANAN. 



Mr. Bnolianan took the oath of office March 4th, 
1857, with clouds of danger darkening the horizon. 
He fonnd the country stirred with sectional strife, 
which he patriotically sought to arrest, without ef- 
fect. Before the conclusion of his term, civil war, 
long pending, became inevitable, which I have occa- 
sion to know he deplored as deeply and as earnestly 
as it was possible for any good citizen to do, after 
striving to arrest the peril. When the truth of his- 
tory is written, his honesty, fidelity, and best efforts 
to maintain the perpetuity of the Union will be seen 
and fully recognized. [Applause.] 

ABEAHAM LINCOLN. 

In this condition of things, which resulted in the 
election of Abraham Lincoln to the presidency over 
his distinguished competitors, Stephen A. Douglas, 
John C. Breckenridge, and John Bell, several of the 
States resolved to withdraw from the Union before 
his inauguration, March 4, 1861. The peace of the 
country then threatened was soon followed by a war 
of gigantic proportions, such as no human intellect 
could have foreseen. This terrible war raged through- 
out his first presidential term with results so well 
known to most of you that I forebear to dwell upon 
them, and which, in my judgment, had better be 
consigned to the deep oblivion of the past. 

The second term of Mr. Lincoln began March 4, 
18(55, with every prospect of a speedy settlement of 
our domestic troubles; but on the 4th of April, 1865, 
he was stricken down by the hand of an assassin. 



15 

That deadly blow appalled the nation, and spread 
sorrow all over it, because the country had been de- 
j)rived of a President upon whose kindly nature and 
generous feelings the people had hoped for a prompt 
solution of the disturbing questions that followed 
peace. They knew that the Radicals who had pur- 
sued Lincoln would give no honorable terms of ad- 
justment. [Applause.] 

ANDEEW JOHNSON. 

Andrew Johnson at once assumed the duties of 
President, taking strong ground against the South- 
ern States. But the intolerant spirit shown by Re- 
publican leaders, in and out of Congress, soon led 
him to favor a more conservative course, which 
quickly provoked the resentment of his then party 
friends. Mr. Johnson, in the true sense of the term, 
was a self-made man. As an original Democrat he 
deeply sympathized with the people, and returned 
to his former political allegiance. This change of 
front so exasperated the Republican Congress that 
they resorted to every scheme of legislation to dwarf 
his power as Chief Magistrate, and finally, articles of 
impeachment were presented by the House of Repre- 
sentatives to the Senate, which failed, after a pro- 
tracted trial, thus leaving him in the exercise of the 
office until the qualification of his elected successor. 

It may be said of Mr. Johnson, whose term expired 
March 4th, 1865, that he was capable, honest and 
faithful to the Constitution, and his public views 
and acts were dictated by a desire to promote the 
best interests of his countrymen. [Applause.] 



16 



V. S. GRANT. 



General U. S. Grant was twice elected President, 
and served out both terms. His service as President 
began March 4th, 1869, and terminated March 4th, 
1877. He was marked for fidelity to his friends, 
under all circumstances. [Applause.] 

RUTHEEFOED B. HAYES. 

The contest which immediately followed was be- 
tween Rutherford B. Hayes of Ohio and Samuel J. 
Tilden of New York, which finally resulted, in what 
has been justlj" regarded, as a stupendious fraud 
upon our form of Government. 

There was not a Democrat in the country who ever 
entertained the slightest doubt that Mr. Tilden had 
been fairly elected, and in that opinion many Re- 
i:>ublicans shared. To use a cant phrase, he was 
counted out, to inaugurate, for the first time in our 
history, a President, in violation of the expressed 
will of the people, and of the Constitution and laws. 
The people accepted this result only because they 
felt it necessary to preserve the peace of the Union, 
which had so recentlj'^ been convulsed by the horrors 
of a frightful civil war. Mr. Hayes returned to pri- 
vate life March 4th, 1881, at the expiration of his 
official term, with less consideration than any of his 
predecessors. 

.7Aj\[ES A. GARFIELD. 

At the next election General James A. Garfield, of 
Ohio, defeated the Democratic nominee, General 



17 

Winfield Scott Hancock, the snperb soldier and ac- 
complislied gentleman. He was inaugurated Presi- 
dent with mncli pomp and ceremony, March 4th, 1881. 
General Garfield's career was brief, and terminated 
by the hand of an assassin named Guiteau, whose 
foul shot, fired on the eve of the President's depar- 
ture from the Capital July 2, 1881, ended in his 
death at Elberton, New Jersey, the folloAving 20tli 
day of September, causing regret and deep sorrow 
thronghout the entire country. 

CHESTER A. AKTTIUR. 

Chester A. Arthur, then Vice President, on the 
death of General Garfield, entered upon the duties 
of the Presidential office under circumstances well 
calculated to embarrass him. But his genial man- 
ner and fine bearing under these sad and trying con- 
ditions quickly attracted public favor and sympathy, 
(\nd he quitted official life March 4, 1885, to the regret 
of many devoted personal friends, not limited to his 
own party. [Applause.] 

It is thus seen that from March 4, 1861, to the 4th 
of March, 1885, the Government was controlled by the 
Republican party, embracing a period of twenty-four 
years. During a large portion of this time the i)ublic 
patience had never before been put to so severe a test, 
owing to the brutal exercise of power, in the absence 
of any legitimate reason therefor. Citizens in almost 
every one of the loyal States were imprisoned, with- 
out due process of law, the courts in all these States 
were intact, ready to punish the guilty and protect 
the innocent, but William H. Seward had announced 



18 

in the Senate of the United States the monstrons 
doctrine of a law higher than the Constitution. As Sec- 
retary of State, under President Lincoln, he made his 
boast to Lord Lyons, then British Minister at Wash- 
ington, that he exercised greater power over the 
American citizen than any despot in Europe could 
over his subject, it being only necessary for him tO' 
" tingle my [his] little belF' to secure the arrest and 
imprisonment of any citizen, whatever might be his 
position. Upon the declaration of such atrocious 
doctrines, coming from a man of his high lirominence, 
it is easy to understand why men occupying inferior 
positions, influenced by passion and prejudice, com- 
mitted many wrongs, which, I trust, he and they 
have lived to regret. 

These personal wrongs will hardly be remembered^ 
except by those upon whom they were inflicted; but 
the effect of Republican rule for so long a period 
must be felt for many years to come, in the crea- 
tion of an enormous public debt, which has caused 
the people to be heavily taxed. The needless waste 
of the public money in every form, during the period 
whenever the Government has been controlled by 
that party, only shows their inability to manage 
wisely or uprightly the affairs of a free people. 
They squandered and voted to corporations nearly 
two hundred millions of acres of the grand public 
domain acquired by the wisdom of Jefferson, Mon- 
roe, and Polk, for honest and industrious settlers. 
These gifts, procured by venal legislation, represent 
more J and than is contained in the States of New 
York, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Indiana, Michigan 
and Wisconsin, or enough to make twenty-three 
States of the size of Maryland. The effect of llei)ul>- 



19 

lican rnle has been to proiuote what are familiarly 
known as Trusts, Pools, Syndicates and other com- 
binations of capital, to prey upon .labor by arbi- 
trarily fixing the price of all productions before 
they reach the market, so that the farmer, mechanic 
and laborer are at the mercy of these organized 
plunderers. [Ai^plause.] The price of sugar has ad- 
vanced nearly two cents a pound in nine months by 
that "Trust," and that advance means a tax of one 
dollar a head on every man, woman and child in 
the country. 

I am not among those who would strike down or 
excite public sentiment against capital. On the con- 
trary, it should have all proper protection, just as 
should the labor upon w^hich dejiends the prosperity 
of the nation, and the profit of invested capital. 

The country has received a further legacy from 
the Republican administration in the luxury of a 
civil pension list for United States Judges, and the 
retired Army and Navy officers, costing the Govern- 
ment annually several millions of dollars. An un- 
warranted expenditure like this, the Fathers of the 
Republic never supposed to be possible under our 
system. It is part of the aristocratic growth im- 
ported from England, and fastened on us by servile 
imitators of the British policy, which draws broad 
lines between classes, and is always on the side of 
the rich against the poor — for the peer and against 
the peasant. [Applause.] 



20 



GROVER CLEVELAND. 



In the year 1884 Grover Cleveland was nominated 
for President by a Convention of Democrats, with 
Thomas A. Hendricks for Vice President. 

The Republicans nominated James G. Blaine, as 
their candidate for President, and General John A. 
Logan for Vice President. 

During the contest personalities were too much in- 
dulged in, to the regret of all good citizens belong- 
ing to either party. 

I need not tell you, fellow Democrats, what a 
thrill of joy spread from one end of this land to 
the other when it was announced, by authority, 
that our candidates had been chosen by the people 
for the two highest offices within their gift as Jef- 
fersonian Democrats. 

On the 4th day of March, 1885, both of these gen- 
tlemen were duly installed as President and Vice 
President of the United States, in the presence of 
the largest concourse of their fellow countrymen that 
ever before assembled on such an occasion. The day 
was in sympathy with the event, and heaven seemed 
to smile upon the people and their newly-elected 
President, who promptly appointed a Cabinet com- 
posed of leading Democrats, and at once entered 
upon the duties of his great office. The ReT)ublicans, 
having exercised power for twenty-four consecutive 
years, naturally enough, were sensitive over their 
defeat, which, with the Senate in opposition to Presi- 
dent Cleveland, rendered his path a difficult one to 
tread. [Renewed applause.] 

During the campaign, the Repu1)licans hnd cliarged 
tlial 1 lie siirccss of (Ik; Demucracv would lead lo tlis- 



21 

astrons consequences, fatal to the best interests of 
the country, by assumino- the payment of tlie Con- 
federate debt and the re-enslavement of the emanci- 
pated freedmen, which they well knew was expressly 
forbidden by the Constitution, and never dreamed 
of by any sane mind. 

The Democrats, being convinced that corruption 
had found its way into every branch of the Govern- 
ment during the canvass, raised the cry of "turn 
the rascals out," which was taken up with loud aq- 
claim by the party in every State of the Union. 

Whatever may have been President Cleveland's 
views upon the subject of removals, either for cause 
or for oifensive partizanship, he found himself em- 
barrassed by two acts of Congress known as the 
Civil Service Tenure Act and the Civil Service law, 
which, of course, he had sworn faithfully to execute. 
[Applause.] 

Under these circumstances, with a demand for re- 
cognition, such as perhaps never before existed, ow- 
ing to the long exclusion from j)ower of the Demd- 
cratic party, it can be readily seen that many of 
his active, earnest friends were doomed to disap- 
pointment—the result, to some extent, of an opposi- 
tion Senate, and laws which he found upon the stat- 
ute books. 

It is but just to President Cleveland to say that 
he was pledged by the platform of 1884 to civil ser- 
vice reform, and so were all his supporters. Never- 
theless, with entire consistency on his part, most of 
the prominent offices are now filled by Democrats. 
It will be remembered that the larger portion of the 
higher places have a fixed term of four years, which 
enables the President to fill all vacancies occuring in 



22 

tliat way, with his own party friends, without vio- 
lating his pledges. It is quite true that you find 
some so-called Democrats and Northern Mugwumps 
who believe in a strong government and class legis- 
lation because of their want of faith in the people to 
govern themselves. To my mind, it is absurd to 
contend that a system which proscribes a citizen on 
account of age merely, from public employment, can 
be sound policy in a government like ours. On the 
contrary, increased fitness for any service comes with 
years, iu the absence of mental or physical infirmi- 
ties. [Applause.] 

Having had some experience in official life at 
Washington, and observed closely the practical work- 
ings of the Government under every administration 
since that of Van Buren to that of Cleveland, I am 
clearly of the opinion that changes are often neces- 
sary, and should be determined by the President and 
heads of the Executive Departments at Washington 
and elsewhere, in order to secure honest, faithful and 
efficient service. This is the Jeffersonian doctrine. 
[Applause.] 

All the theory about benefiting the public under 
the workings of the civil service law is fallacious, 
and, if much longer continued, will give the country 
not only corrupt and inefficient service, which must 
end with a civil pension list of such proportions 
as was never contemplated by the men who framed 
this Government. It is for reasons such as these, 
and many others might be stated, that I do not hes- 
itate to express my unqualified opposition to all such 
anti-American and class legislation, which, I believe, 
if the test is ever made before the Supreme Court of 
the United States, will be declared unconstitutional. 



23 

Furthermore, so far as a successful administra- 
tion of the Government is concerned, by a Democratic 
President, there can be no reasonable ground to 
doubt for a moment but that a Democratic citizen 
can be found, without the aid of the Civil Service 
Commissioners, to fill every office in the Government 
with integrity, fidelity and" efficiency. [Applause.] 
I am quite sure if the Republican party should 
ever again succeed to power they will not hesitate 
to supply the place of every Democratic official with 
their own partisans. But let us hope that, before 
that day comes, there will be found no such law upon 
our statute book, by consent of all parties. That the 
administration of Grover Cleveland will be regarded 
from a higher standpoint than the mere distribution 
of patronage is clearly shown by the- fact that the 
National Democratic Convention, which convened 
at St. Louis, June 5th, presented his name to the 
country for re-election as the trusted representative 
of their x^i'inciples, and as worthy of the cordial, 
united support of the party, with a unanimity such 
as, under like circumstances, was never before con- 
ferred on any candidate. ■ [Great Applause.] 

In the selection of Allen G. Thurman for Vice Pres- 
ident the party displayed equal wisdom, in view cf 
his large experience in public life and admitted abil- 
ity as a statesman, taking foremost rank among the 
nation's eminent leaders. [Applause.] 

With such nominees as Cleveland and Thurman, 
true and honored representatives of Democratic prin- 
ciples, as laid down by the illustrious Thomas Jeffer- 
son, there cannot be any reasonable doubt about 
success at the November election, when the people 
will declare in favor of Cleveland and Tliurnuiu by 



24 

siicli.a majority as will astound onr opponents. That 
result would foreshadow the extinction of the Repub- 
lican party, and a fate similar to that of the old 
Federalists and younger Whigs, whose cast-off gar- 
ments they are now wearing. 

There has been much already said during this can- 
vass about the tariff and revenue reform, but the 
subject as discussed by President Cleveland, in his 
annual message to Congress, so clearly presents the 
issue, and when properh^ interpreted but little re- 
mains for further dispute upon the subject. [Ap- 
plause.] 

President Cleveland correctly states that the an- 
nual amount of taxes collected from the jieople in 
excess of what is needed for the legitimate expenses 
of the Government is over. one hundred millions of 
dollars. I submit to my Republican friends, can a 
system productive of such results be wise or just to 
the people ; on the contrary, it is oppression, which 
ought to be corrected by a judicious revision of the 
tariff, keeping in view the industries of the country 
and the welfare of the wage- workers, to whose skill 
the country is indebted for its marvellous prosperity. 
It is not for me to say what should be done to cor- 
rect this state of things. That properly belongs to 
the Congress of the United States, to whom alone is 
committed the power to redress this great wrong, 
for which they will be held accountable at the bal- 
lot-box next November. [Applause.] 

My ()l)ject in making this address is to show by 
a plain statemeilt of facts, based upon the history 
of paities, that the Democrats, from the days of Jef- 
ferson down to the present time, have always taken 
the side of the people. Tlit'V nlways advocated and 



25 

defended the correct principles upon which this Gov- 
ernment should be administered. And now they are 
only consistent and loyal in supporting Cleveland 
and Thurman, who will lead us triumphantly to vic- 
tory at the coming election, over all the concentrated 
capital and corporate wealth arrayed against them. 

It is incumbent, however, to keep in view the neces- 
sity of organization as a means of securing beyond 
all question this desirable result. 

The Republicans will make a last desperate effort 
in the interest of their candidates, Harrison and 
Morton, both of whom are very respectable gentle- 
men, but by reason of the principles they represent 
are not entitled to public confidence, if we are to 
judge the future by the past, from 1801 to 1885, em- 
bracing a period in our political history not likely 
to be washed out of the memory of the American 
people. 

The contest for Congress in this District may well 
be regarded as a foregone conclusion in favor of 
Colonel Herman Stump, of Harford County, a Demo 
crat of the right stamp, and a gentleman in the 
strictest sense of that term. From a personal knowl- 
edge of his character and capacity, I feel justified in 
saying he will not only prove to be a faithful Rep- 
resentative but also a fitting successor to his imme- 
diate predecessor, who has done the State good ser- 
vice. 

I bespeak for him your cordial sujiport, with en- 
tire confidence that as a member of Congress he will 
not be found wanting in every proper effort to ad- 
vance the best interests of his State and country. 
[Applause. ] 



26 

. Gentlemen of the Cleveland and Tliurman and Stump 
Cami)aign Club of Freedom, yonr organization is well 
calculated to advance the noble cause in which you are 
engaged, and understanding the spirit which has 
ever actuated the democracy of this District, I have 
entire faith that you will contribute to roll up even 
more than the usual majority in Carroll County for 
our nominees. But do not fail to remember that 
activity on the part of each member of the club is 
necessary to ensure the casting of a full vote, which, 
of course, secures success at the November election. 

I have very recently visited the States of New York, 
New Jersey and Connecticut, where the Democracy 
are fully aroused and resolved upon victory. The 
news from Indiana is cheering, and our friends are 
confident the vote of that State will certainly be 
cast for Cleveland and Thurman. And there is a 
reasonable hox)e of carrying Iowa, Illinois, Michigan 
and Wisconsin, neither of which are necessary to 
elect our candidates. 

As your Presidential Elector for this Congressional 
District, I appreciate the compliment, and am not 
unmindful of the responsibility which the i)osition 
imposes. With a determined purpose to exert my 
best efforts to advance the cause of Democracy in this 
contest, which I have steadily supported, for more 
than half a century, never having seen during all 
that time any sufRcient reason to change my well- 
matured convictions, I cherish the hope of gaining 
the approval of those who in such an ac('ei)lablH 
manner honored me witli their confidence. 

After thanking you, my neighbors, friends and 
fellow citizens for the considerate attention with 
which you have listened to Ihe^p ri^narks. and if n)y 



27 

opinion concerning public iilTairs lias any value, you 
can rest satisfied that the splendid record of Jeffer- 
son, Madison, Monroe, Jackson, Van Buren, Polk, 
Pierce and Buchanan, who as unwavering Democrats 
conducted the affairs of this Government during forty- 
eight years of its existence prior to March 4th, 1861, 
with results such as I have briefly stated, Avill receive 
no damage at the hands of Grover Cleveland ; at the 
expiration of whose second term, March 4th, 1893, I 
do not hesitate to predict, will quit the public ser- 
vice, having earned for himself the unqualified ap- 
proval of his i)arty, and the respect of everj^ fair 
minded opponent, for all the qualities which should 
attach to an honest, courageous, faithful, vigilant 
and incorruptible Chief Magistrate. [Loud and 
continued applause.] 

I have one word more to say, and I am done. Edu- 
cate jouY children in the true i)olitical faith as laid 
down by Jefferson, and vote for Cleveland, Thurman 
and Stump on the 6tli of November, whose election 
will, I venture to say, bring increased prosperity 
and happiness to the people of this favored land — a 
result to which your efforts may largely contribute, 
under the guidance of that great power which' shapes 
the destinies of nations and of men. 






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